While many of the rules regarding caring for your engagement ring may seem straightforward, there are a few hints that may be helpful to bear in mind for the protection and preservation of your treasured band. Not all engagement rings are the same, and there are definitely some elements of care that don't necessarily come up with other jewelry. The following is a practical list of tips for taking care of your engagement ring.

"Dos" of Engagement Ring Care

• Do have a safe place where you put your ring every single time you take it off. Get into a habit, stick with it, and you'll never find yourself in the paranoid scramble to recall where you put your engagement ring.
• Do store your engagement ring properly, in tissue or soft cloth, away from other jewelry that can scratch the finish or bend the setting.
• Do avoid exposure to chemicals and abrasives. Remove your ring when doing housework that involves scrubbing, particularly if bleach-based products are in use, as bleach can discolor the setting, cloud diamonds, and degrade the finish on the band. Another common chemical that can affect your ring is chlorine-so take it off before hopping in the pool.
• Do put your ring on last when getting ready. High settings or large stones can easily be snagged on clothing or gummed up from make-up or cosmetics, so getting into the routine of putting your engagement ring on last can help keep it in good shape.
• Do remove your engagement ring when performing chores playing sports. Dirt, debris, and detritus can severely scuff up your engagement ring, and snags that tear out settings can easily happen when being active.
• Do regularly clean your ring using some of the methods listed below.

"Don'ts" of Engagement Ring Care

• Don't take your ring off and place it in a risky location, such as near a sink or open drain, or anywhere else where it could fall, get knocked down, or get lost.
• Don't go swimming with your ring on-even in non-chlorinated water. Cool water can potentially shrink your fingers, allowing your engagement ring to slip right off.
• Don't wear your ring while cleaning, applying make-up or lotions, or using tools that could impact the ring.
• Don't touch the stones in your engagement ring more than you have you-the oils in your hands can discolor the gems over time.

Cleaning your Engagement Ring

• Clean it yourself: Don't use abrasives or hard-bristled brushes to clean your ring. Even soft toothbrushes can cause minute scratches in the surfaces of gold and silver jewelry in particular. The best way to keep your engagement ring clean yourself is to soak it overnight, every few weeks, in any of the following solutions:
  • A mix of 50% household ammonia and 50% water
  • A diluted mixture of water and mild detergent
  • Even a cup of clear alcohol such as vodka

These solutions will dissolve away dirt and built-up grime without scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. If you use jewelry cleaners, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and make sure that the method you choose is suitable for the type of stone in your engagement ring. Pearls, for instance, can be damaged by some of the chemicals that are safe for diamonds.


• Take it to a jeweler: No amount of self-cleaning can beat the care that a professional can provide for your ring. Annual inspections are normally adequate for engagement rings, but engagement rings may require a little more frequent TLC, especially particularly intricate or large settings. A professional jeweler will immediately be able to tell if settings are loose or in need of resetting, and sometimes these trips can be all the difference between a lost diamond and a quick re-set.

Unusual Rings

Unusual rings such as pave, art deco, or antiques might require more specialized care. Antique rings, for instance, may not be made as sturdily as modern styles, and highly elaborate engagement rings might require more frequent cleaning and care. Find a reputable jeweler experienced in ring care, and if in doubt, always ask.

If you keep the steps above in mind when caring for your engagement ring, you are sure to keep it brilliant and beautiful as long as it is on your hand.